Lakers Rumors: L.A. could make a 'hard run' at Eric Bledsoe or Goran Dragic

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 18: Goran Dragic #1 and Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns await a free throw shot during the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on December 18, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Spurs defeated the 108-101.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The start of the 2014-15 NBA season is right around the corner for the Los Angeles Lakers with the storied franchise set to host the Houston Rockets on Oct. 28 at the Staples Center. Many anticipated another rough year ahead for the Lakers, but the team likely won't make anymore more major moves to upgrade the roster until next summer.

The Lakers, for example, are just one team league sources say would likely make a hard run at both of them, based on the premise that the Suns couldn't afford the cost of paying both at that point, theoretically making either Bledsoe or Dragic gettable.

With a combined $30 million set to come off the books (Nash, Lin, Hill, Boozer), the Lakers will have ample space to pursue any star in the league, offering a max salary as prize to join the franchise. With Bledsoe already demanding the max, this could be the perfect opportunity to collect what he wants–the same applying to Goran Dragic if he chooses to demand a similar salary.

Back in July, the Lakers made a move to address a need in the backcourt. Los Angeles acquired point guard Jeremy Lin from the Rockets in a move that may usher in a new era at floor general alongside Kobe Bryant.

If the rumors are true about Dragic and Bledsoe, Lin might not be in Los Angeles for long depending on the team's interest. The Lakers are always on the prowl for deals that can upgrade the roster with big-name players and adding one of the two points guards from Phoenix may do just that.

Regardless of the team's intentions heading into next summer, Lin has an opportunity to make an impact in his first year in Los Angeles. Lin may earn the starting job at the point if new head coach Byron Scott chooses go with the younger option over veteran Steve Nash.

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Ryan Ward is a passionate and opinionated sports writer that has dedicated himself to his craft writing about all things NFL, NBA with an especially passionate interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. Contact Ryan with your comments and questions. Ryan also serves as the Kobe Bryant Examiner and NFL Examiner